WODEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
PARENT FRIENDLY GUIDE
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING
Child Protection Policy & Procedures
Woden Primary School Designated Safeguarding Lead Team
Mrs H Vernon
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs T Harris
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs K Newey
Board of Governors Child Protection
Mrs F Harris
Child Protection Trained – SEND Co-ordinator
Introduction
The staff and governors of Woden Primary School recognise that we have a primary
responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the pupils in our school. We
recognise that all staff including volunteers will have a full and active part to play in
safeguarding our pupils. One way in which we seek to protect our pupils is by
helping them learn about the risks of possible abuse, helping them to recognise
unwelcome behaviours in others and acquire the confidence and skills they need to
keep themselves safe.
The welfare of each child is our paramount consideration.
Aims of the Policy
 To ensure that all members of staff are aware of the great need to safeguard
pupils from harm, significant risk of harm or any level of abuse.
 To ensure that all members of staff are aware of their responsibilities in being alert
to, and reporting their concerns about any, possible instances of abuse.
 To emphasise the need for clear communication.
 To ensure that members of staff are familiar with the established procedures for
the protection of children and the reporting of concerns.
 To ensure the monitoring of children known or thought to be at risk through
pastoral care.
 To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies,
especially Social Care.
 To ensure that all staff and volunteers within Woden that have access to children
have been checked as to their suitability.
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Definition of Child Abuse
Children may be abused by a parent, a sibling or other relative or carer, someone
known to them or by a stranger, who may be an adult or a young person. The abuse
may be the result of a deliberate act or of a failure on the part of a parent or carer to
act or provide proper care, or both.
Abuse may include any or all of the following:
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Neglect
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Domestic Abuse
Woden Safeguarding Procedure
A safeguarding concern is reported, or identified by member of staff within the school
The person who identifies the safeguarding concern must complete a Concern Form
The member of staff will give the Concern Form to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H
Vernon) or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs T Harris)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H Vernon) or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding
Lead (Mrs T Harris) will discuss the nature of the concern and decide on the most
appropriate action.
If the concern is that the child could be at risk of significant harm…..
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H Vernon) or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding
Lead (Mrs T Harris) will contact the Central Referral Hub and seek advice or make a referral.
If the concern is that of a welfare concern…..
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H Vernon) or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding
Lead (Mrs T Harris) will advise the staff member or teacher to raise the parent’s awareness
to the issue.
If the concern is not addressed the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs T Harris) will
invite the parent into to school to discuss additional support that could be offered or
further action that could be taken.
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If a child makes a disclosure to a teacher or any other member of staff which
gives rise to concerns about possible significant harm it is our duty to
safeguard that child and a call to the Central Referral Hub will be made.
Recording and Reporting
Where a member of staff becomes aware of signs which cause concern, or where a
pupil discloses information he/she will:
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Talk to the pupil.
Listen carefully.
Write down factual notes (When, where, who, what) and use the words the
child used.
Sign and date the record.
Make concerns known to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H Vernon)
or to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead (Mrs T Harris).
Ensure the pupils understand that confidentiality cannot be kept and that the
concern must be shared with the designated person.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
will discuss the matter as a matter of urgency to plan a course of action, and
ensure that a written record is made.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or Deputy Designated Safeguarding
Lead will decide whether, in the best interests of the child, the matter needs to
be referred to Social Care.
If there are concerns that the child may be at risk of significant harm:
The Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
will contact a Duty Social Worker at the Central Referral Hub by telephone on 01902
555392. This will be followed up with a completed Multi Agency Referral Form
(MARF) and faxed to the service for further assessment.
Unless there are concerns that a parent may be the possible abuser, the
parents will be informed immediately.
A Copy of the MARF will be kept securely in the pupils file.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
may also seek clarification or advice and consult with the Central Referral Hub on
matters of concern. No decision to make a referral to Social Care will be made
without the fullest consideration and appropriate advice. The safety of the child is
our first priority.
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Confidentiality
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We recognise all matters relating to Child Protection are confidential.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs H Vernon) and the Deputy
Safeguarding Lead (Mrs Tracey Harris) will only disclose information about a
pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis. Staff may need to
share this information with other professionals in order to safeguard the child.
All staff are aware they cannot promise confidentiality to a child.
Maintaining Records
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If Social Care inform the school that the child’s name has been placed on the
Child Protection Register, the school will maintain a record of this fact, and
associated documentation from Social Care in the Child Protection file while
the child continues to attend Woden.
If a child changes school, the individual child’s file will be passed on to the
receiving school along with all notes and documentation to safeguard the
child.
This document is for your information only and is provided to ensure you are
fully informed that the staff and governors of Woden Primary School recognise
that we have a primary responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the
pupils in our school.
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